Past management of legal chambers reviewed
An independent report has revealed serious concerns about the past management of the Attorney General's Chambers.
It was requested in 2012 by the former Chief Minister Allan Bell, to review the way the organisation was structured and run.
The document, written by an external legal expert, was released to the public via a Freedom of Information request this week.
It describes the AG's office as 'loose and unorganised' with poor and ineffective management.
The report says the legal body was ill-equipped to deal with incumbent Attorney General Stephen Harding's prolonged absence, and says performance suffered as a result.
There's sharp criticism of the way the Prosecutions Division was run, with inadequate staffing and low morale both highlighted.
Its preparedness for legal proceedings - a core function - is queried, and the report cites a 'culture of readiness' to compromise on court cases, rather than pursue them to the end.
Twenty-eight recommendations for improvement are listed, notably the need for a Crown-appointed assistant to the Attorney General, able to assume full responsibilities when required.
Other proposals include a major restructuring of management, a radical change of attitude in staff, and improved tracking of performance in the Prosecutions Division.
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